Including Prior Use Of Additive (e.g., Changing Ph, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/639)
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Patent number: 5910251Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Microbar IncorporatedInventors: Stephen D. Allen, Leonard Rees Lyman
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Patent number: 5904853Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Microbar IncorporatedInventors: Stephen D. Allen, Leonard Rees Lyman
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Patent number: 5888398Abstract: A crown ether cesium ion extractant is disclosed as is its synthesis. The crown ether cesium ion extractant is useful for the selective purification of cesium ions from aqueous acidic media, and more particularly useful for the isolation of radioactive cesium-137 from nuclear waste streams. Processes for isolating cesium ions from aqueous acidic media using the crown ether cesium extractant are disclosed as are processes for recycling the crown ether cesium extractant and processes for recovering cesium from a crown ether cesium extractant solution.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: ARCH Development Corp.Inventors: Mark L. Dietz, E. Philip Horwitz, Richard A. Bartsch, Richard E. Barrans, Jr., David Rausch
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Patent number: 5882520Abstract: Aqueous two phase systems are provided which permit the extractive separation of biological materials. In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous solution of arabinogalactan defines at least one phase, and an aqueous solution of a second solute, such as a polyether, defines at least one other phase. In one embodiment, an aqueous two phase system is provided in which one phase is defined by an aqueous solution containing predominantly ultrarefined arabinogalactan, and the other phase is defined by an aqueous solution containing predominantly a polymer such as a poly(ethylene glycol). Biological materials which can be extracted and separated from mixtures using the aqueous two phase systems include cells, organelles, macromolecules and organic molecules. The aqueous two phase systems can be used in wide range of different applications including in bioconversions for the production and separation of enzyme reaction products.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: The University of MontanaInventors: Geoffrey N. Richards, Merilyn Manley-Harris
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Patent number: 5871648Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Environmental Chemistries, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Allen, Leonard Rees Lyman
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Patent number: 5868935Abstract: A novel hollow fiber membrane-based synergistic extraction technique has been developed for removal and recovery of individual heavy metals from aqueous streams. This technique has a number of advantages over conventional solvent extraction, emulsion liquid membrane, and supported liquid membrane methods. It may be easily scaled up to meet the requirements for pollution control of heavy metals in industrial processes and selective separation hydrometallurgy.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kamalesh K. Sirkar, Zhifa Yang, Asim Kumar Guha
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Patent number: 5858240Abstract: Nanofiltration processes using one or more conventional nanofiltration membrane modules under a positive applied pressure is used to selectively change the concentration of one solute, such as sodium chloride or sodium chlorate providing monovalent ions, from another solute such as sodium sulfate or sodium dichromate to provide multivalent ions in high salt aqueous concentrations. The process is particularly useful in favourably lowering the concentration of undesirable ions, particularly, of silica and dichromate ions in chloralkali and chlorate brine containing solutions and favourably raising the sodium sulphate level relative to sodium chloride in chloralkali liquor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Chemetics International Company Ltd.Inventors: Zbigniew Twardowski, Judith G. Ulan
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Patent number: 5855787Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: De la Rue Giori S.A.Inventor: Fausto Giori
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Patent number: 5853592Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a combination of a strong organic acid and a strong mineral acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosive compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Thomas J. Bellos, Gregory P. Noelken
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Patent number: 5843311Abstract: Methods for the solvent extraction of organic analytes from a sample are provided. An organic solvent system is used to extract analytes under elevated temperatures and pressures above 100 psi but below supercritical conditions in short times and with low amounts of solvent. The extracted organic analytes are then removed by flowing a purge fluid through the extraction cell, the cell being maintained at a constant volume throughout the extraction and purging, afterwards the analytes being analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1994Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Bruce E. Richter, Christopher A. Pohl, Nathan L. Porter, Brian A. Jones, John L. Ezzell, Nebojsha Avdalovic
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Patent number: 5840193Abstract: Methods for extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a fluid solvent, particularly supercritical CO.sub.2, and a chelating agent are described. The chelating agent forms a chelate with the species, the chelate being soluble in the fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments the extraction solvent is supercritical CO.sub.2 and the chelating agent comprises an organophosphorous chelating agent, particularly sulfur-containing organophosphorous chelating agents, including mixtures of chelating agents. Examples of chelating agents include monothiophosphinic acid, di-thiophosphinic acid, phosphine sulfite, phosphorothioic acid, and mixtures thereof. The method provides an environmentally benign process for removing metal and metalloids from industrial waste solutions, particularly acidic solutions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Idaho Research FoundationInventors: Neil G. Smart, Chien M. Wai, Yuehe Lin, Yak Hwa Kwang
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Patent number: 5834316Abstract: A method of extracting anionic species from a solid or liquid medium by contacting the medium with an extract solvent of supercritical carbon dioxide and a positively charged complexant ligand for solubilizing and extracting the anionic species form the medium.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plcInventors: Neil Graham Smart, Robert George Godfrey Holmes, Nigel Dennis Tinker, Michael Darbyshire
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Patent number: 5817359Abstract: The present invention provides methods and for the dealcoholization of alcohol containing solutions, especially fermented beverages. In preferred embodiments the methods employ a novel controlled-strip evaporative perstraction technique following initial clarification to remove biomass, wherein strip solutions, dealcoholized beverage, or both are recycled for use in the strip solutions for dealcoholization of subsequent batches of feed beverage. In further preferred embodiments additives are introduced into the strip solution to further limit loss of volatile components during perstraction. Biomass removed by the clarification is then returned to the retentate product following perstration.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Palassa Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Alan Sherman Michaels, R. Philip Canning, Paul Hogan
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Patent number: 5811581Abstract: A process for the purification of opacifying contrastographic agents, comprising chromatographic and nanofiltration techniques combined together, the subsequent chromatographic separation of the crude product solution and a nanofiltration step, with a final deionization on ion exchange resins.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Dibra S.p.A.Inventors: Rodolfo Piva, Carlo Felice Viscardi, Massimo Gagna
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Patent number: 5807486Abstract: There is disclosed a portable assembly for treating hazardous waste water having a plurality of paired filter units having filter mediums and operated at high filter rates to minimize solids build up wherein solids are caused to be smashed and broken by shear forces and wherein chemicals are sequentially added to facilitate solids reduction, to oxidize organic compounds and to precipitate dissolved solids and wherein the process stream is subjected to ultraviolet light to reduce organic loading and downstream ultra filtration units to further reduce solids followed by reverse osmosis and/or ionization treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Joseph B. Busch, Sr. et al.Inventor: Joseph B. Busch, Jr.
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Patent number: 5800711Abstract: A process for the fractionation of polyoxyalkylene block copolymers wherein the polydispersity of the polyether is reduced. The fractionation process, which removes lower molecular weight species such as polyoxyalkylene homopolymer, truncated polyoxyalkylene diblock polymers, or other reaction byproducts, comprises salt extraction and liquid phase separation to provide a product with a narrower molecular weight distribution, lower degree of unsaturation, and distinctly different physical characteristics compared to the starting material.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: MDV Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lorraine E. Reeve, Michael G. Hinsberg
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Patent number: 5792313Abstract: In the evaporation of process wastewater comprising a mixture of different types of wastewater, problems arise due to the formation of reaction products, so-called incrustations, which are difficult to separate. These incrustations clog up the evaporator, thus necessitating frequent stoppages for chemical and mechanical cleaning of the evaporator. The invention concerns an improved method for concentrating process wastewater by evaporation. In this method, one acid process flow and one alkaline process flow are evaporated alternately in one and the same evaporator. With this method, precipitates that are difficult to separate are dissolved in the evaporator during the respective evaporations. As a result, stoppages motivated by the need to clean the evaporator may be avoided to the utmost possible extent, while less and cheaper processing equipment is required.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Eka Nobel ABInventor: Hans Johansson
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Patent number: 5792357Abstract: A method of extracting metal and metalloid species from a solid or liquid substrate using a supercritical fluid solvent containing one or more chelating agents followed by back-extracting the metal and metalloid species from the metal and metalloid chelates formed thereby. The back-extraction acidic solution is performed utilizing an acidic solution. Upon sufficient exposure of the metal and metalloid chelates to the acidic solution, the metal and metalloid species are released from the chelates into the acid solution, while the chelating agent remains in the supercritical fluid solvent. The chelating agent is thereby regenerated and the metal and metalloid species recovered.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Chien M. Wai, Neil G. Smart, Yuehe Lin
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Patent number: 5787537Abstract: An environmentally safe laundry washing apparatus and method includes a primary solids removal system with an inlet for receiving waste wash water which delivers the water to a separation system and then to a main circulation system which has an ozone source and at least one filter. A final water purification batch treatment system capable of greater than 98% total dissolved solids removal in conjunction with a sterilization device is in fluid communication with the main circulation system, and a washing means is located downstream from the final water purification system. The wash water is recirculated from the washing means after the completion of a wash cycle to an inlet of the primary solids removal system.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Water Recovery Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard W. Mannillo
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Patent number: 5783084Abstract: A process wastewater treatment plant, and a process relating thereto, which converts process wastewater generated in battery manufacturing and the like into clean process water and sodium sulfate salt by treating the process wastewater to remove impurities and contaminants, including debris, oil/grease, heavy metal oxides, lead and other heavy metals, suspended solids, bacteria, organic compounds, and/or gases, from the wastewater to produce a clean neutral sodium sulfate brine, subjecting the brine to heat to obtain distilled water and sodium sulfate salt, and purifying the distilled water by reverse osmosis for reuse as clear process water.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Inventor: Charles M. Suenkonis
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Patent number: 5783245Abstract: A system for recovery of dairy product from a milk storage tank includes a recovery tank disposed to receive raw milk product from the storage tank, a fluid treatment section disposed to apply treated fluid to the storage tank to loosen residual milk solids from the storage tank and to provide a diluted milk fluid when the storage tank is emptied, and a filtering system disposed to receive the diluted milk fluid from the storage tank, filter the diluted milk fluid, and pass a treated fluid to the recovery tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: APV Crepaco, Inc.Inventor: Robert P. Simpson, II
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Patent number: 5776496Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation, composition and applications of suspensions of ultra-small, substantially non-aggregated, non-crystalline particles of predetermined uniform size which, when suspended in a liquid, contain entrapped gaseous bubbles. These gaseous bubble particles are prepared by simultaneous co-precipitation of two compounds. In accordance with the present invention, the two compounds chosen for co-precipitation are such that one is substantially more soluble than the other in a given vehicle. When this vehicle is used for washing the co-precipitated particles, part of the soluble material is dissolved leaving a porous matrix. The porous particles then are dried and stored. The porous particles, which can be resuspended immediately prior to use, contain entrapped gas in the evacuated crevices or pores which is not displaced for a period of time because of surface tension of the suspending vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: University of RochesterInventors: Michael R. Violante, Kevin J. Parker
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Patent number: 5772888Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device and diagnostic kit for separating and/or concentrating an analyte from a mixture containing one or more contaminants according to size using a two-phase aqueous micellar system. The methods and devices are applicable to a wide range of analytes including environmental pollutants and biological materials. Conditions for optimizing size separation of analyte and contaminant are provided and include selection of a single surfactant type or surfactant mixture, surfactant concentration and composition, temperature, pH, salt type and concentration, and the addition of polymers. The separation or concentration efficiencies can be further enhanced by repeatedly generating the two-phase aqueous systems in a multi-stage operation. This invention can be used for removing viruses from proteins following fermentation processes, as well as for concentrating viruses for vaccine manufacturing or gene therapy.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Chia-Li Liu, Daniel Blankschtein
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Patent number: 5770085Abstract: A method of extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a fluid solvent, particularly supercritical carbon dioxide, containing a chelating agent is described. The chelating agent forms chelates that are soluble in the fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments, the extraction solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide and the chelating agent comprises a trialkyl phosphate, a triaryl phosphate, a trialkylphosphine oxide, a triarylphosphine oxide, or mixtures thereof. The method provides an environmentally benign process for removing contaminants from industrial waste. The method is particularly useful for extracting actinides from acidic solutions, and the process can be aided by the addition of nitrate salts. The chelate and supercritical fluid can be regenerated, and the contaminant species recovered, to provide an economic, efficient process.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Chien M. Wai, Neil G. Smart, Yuehe Lin
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Patent number: 5766479Abstract: A process for purifying water by removing dissolved materials therefrom, the process capable of producing purified water having a resistivity in the range of 2 to 10 megohm-cm. The process comprises providing a water feed stream to be purified and adjusting the pH of the water feed stream to a basic water solution to drive the equilibrium of a first weakly ionized material to become ionized in the basic solution. The basic water solution is introduced to a high pressure side of a first reverse osmosis membrane module and water is passed through the first reverse osmosis membrane to provide a first retentate having ions therein from the first weakly ionized material concentrated therein and a first permeate depleted in ions from the first weakly ionized material. The pH of the first permeate is adjusted to an acidic water solution to drive the equilibrium of a second weakly ionized material to become ionized in an acidic solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: William V. Collentro, Andrew W. Collentro
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Patent number: 5766478Abstract: A process of selectively separating a target metal contained in an aqueous solution by contacting the aqueous solution containing a target metal with an aqueous solution including a water-soluble polymer capable of binding with the target metal for sufficient time whereby a water-soluble polymer-target metal complex is formed, and, separating the solution including the water-soluble polymer-target metal complex from the solution is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: The Regents of the University of California, Office of Technology TransferInventors: Barbara F. Smith, Thomas W. Robison
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Patent number: 5759283Abstract: An efficient method for manufacturing a purified juice product from sugar beets. Untreated beet juice is initially prelimed using lime and CaCO.sub.3 to produce a prelimed juice product. Instead of subjecting the prelimed product to main liming and dual carbonation stages, the product is delivered to a porous filtration membrane which allows sugar molecules to pass therethrough which preventing the passage of solid matter and dissolved impurities. Optimum results are achieved if the prelimed product flows across the membrane from end to end. The membrane permeate is thereafter combined with CO.sub.2(g) in a single carbonation stage to remove dissolved lime. This step generates a purified juice product which can be processed to manufacture pure crystalline sugar. The membrane retentate can be combined with water and refiltered to collect residual sugar materials. The foregoing process uses less energy and raw materials (e.g. lime) compared with conventional methods.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: The Western Sugar CompanyInventors: Eric P. Ekern, Bimal Goculdas, Michael Donovan, Marc Hlavacek
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Patent number: 5755980Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating adsorbable organic halogen compounds from an aqueous phase, in particular from wastewater or from a process solution, in which the aqueous phase is treated with a nonaqueous extraction medium in a liquid-liquid extraction, which comprises, after the extraction, subjecting the adsorbable organic halogen compounds in the extraction medium to a Wurtz-Fittig reaction. Only small amounts of noncritical products such as NaOH and Hcl, which can be readily removed, are formed in the nonaqueous extraction medium. By means of this process, the cost of the chemicals which conventionally arises in the elimination of the adsorbable organic halogen compounds is considerably decreased.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joachim Semel, Heribert Tetzlaff
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Patent number: 5741522Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation, composition and applications of suspensions of ultra-small, substantially non-aggregated, non-crystalline particles of predetermined uniform size which, when suspended in a liquid, contain entrapped gaseous bubbles. These gaseous bubble particles are prepared by simultaneous co-precipitation of two compounds. In accordance with the present invention, the two compounds chosen for co-precipitation are such that one is substantially more soluble than the other in a given vehicle. When this vehicle is used for washing the co-precipitated particles, part of the soluble material is dissolved leaving a porous matrix. The porous particles then are dried and stored. The porous particles, which can be resuspended immediately prior to use, contain entrapped gas in the evacuated crevices or pores which is not displaced for a period of time because of surface tension of the suspending vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: University of RochesterInventors: Michael R. Violante, Kevin J. Parker
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Patent number: 5730874Abstract: A method of extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a supercritical fluid solvent containing a chelating agent is described. The chelating agent forms chelates that are soluble in the supercritical fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments, the extraction solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide and the chelating agent is a fluorinated .beta.-diketone. In especially preferred embodiments the extraction solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide, and the chelating agent comprises a fluorinated .beta.-diketone and a trialkyl phosphate, or a fluorinated .beta.-diketone and a trialkylphosphine oxide. Although a trialkyl phosphate can extract lanthanides and actinides from acidic solutions, a binary mixture comprising a fluorinated .beta.-diketone and a trialkyl phosphate or a trialkylphosphine oxide tends to enhance the extraction efficiencies for actinides and lanthanides.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1994Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Chien M. Wai, Kenneth E. Laintz
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Patent number: 5720882Abstract: Waste water sludge which contains phosphorous, heavy metals and at least one metal originating from a waste water treatment coagulant, is treated in order to recover the phosphorous and the at least one metal, and to discharge the heavy metals. The at least one metal includes iron.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Kemira Kemi ABInventors: Kjell Stendahl, Simo Jokinen
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Patent number: 5716524Abstract: Phenols are extracted from a phenol-containing waste water by means of two solvents A and B. The waste water is first of all passed through a first extraction zone, and then through a second extraction zone. To the first extraction zone a mixture of the solvents A and B is supplied, and into the second extraction zone at least one of the two solvents is introduced. From the first extraction zone, solvent-mixture loaded with phenols is withdrawn, phenols am separated therefrom, and the solvents are used again in at least one of the extraction zones. Solvent B is lower-boiling and has a lower water solubility at a temperature in the range from 10.degree. to 60.degree. C. than solvent A. Solvent B has a water solubility at 40.degree. C. of up to 2 wt.-% and a boiling point at 1 bar of 50.degree. to 100.degree. C., and it is miscible with solvent A. Solvent A has a boiling point at 1 bar of not more than 172.degree. C. and a water solubility at 40.degree. C. of not more than 5 wt.-%.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Metallgesellschaft AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Martin Stonner, Matthias Linicus, Gert Ungar
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Patent number: 5711884Abstract: A method of making a solid filter material which filters a predetermined wavelength band from a broader spectrum of radiation is provided. The method includes creating a colloidal structure composed of particles dispersed within a medium, and introducing a solvent thereto. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated and the remaining structure solidifies into a solid crystalline array. The particles can also be fused together by polymerization using one of several methods which are provided. In another embodiment, methods of filtering submicron particles have been developed which consists of establishing a gel membrane from a crystalline colloidal array with an interstice size less than or equal to the particles to be filtered are disclosed. The gel membrane may employ anisotropic interstices of submicron size and is stretchable or compressible mechanically.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Sanford A. Asher, Jay Henis
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Patent number: 5705074Abstract: A process is described whereby phenolics and other water soluble, organic materials are removed from certain aqueous refinery waste streams by an extraction process whereby the brine is contacted with a hydrocarbon solvent containing at least about 2% by weight of a trialkylamine.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Merichem CompanyInventor: James A. Brient
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Patent number: 5695642Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying contaminated water includes four subsystems for removing undissolved solids, precipitation and flocculation of dissolved solids, polishing or cation removal of dissolved solids, and metallurgical furnace treatment of the separated contaminants along with gas cleaning. A unique high density inorganic adsorbent, produced during the reducing atmosphere Waelz Kiln processing of iron, zinc, lead and cadmium rich Electric Arc Furnace dust, is used to raise the pH level of the contaminated water in the precipitation procedure and again as an adsorbent filter bed in a clear well extraction vessel used in the polishing step.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventors: Stephen H. Greenleigh, James W. Chester, Peter L. Rozelle, Matthew D. Dewees
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Patent number: 5660984Abstract: This invention relates to isolating a DNA sample from a heterogeneous mixture of the DNA and other compounds. The invention relates in particular to isolating a plasmid DNA sample from a cleared bacterial lysate. The invention provides an apparatus and method for using the apparatus to rapidly and economically isolate a DNA sample from such a mixture without the use of hazardous chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1994Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventors: Thomas E. Davis, Alison M. Grothe, Henry L. Schwartz, John Gripp, Danny G. Morrow, Steven Van Huystee
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Patent number: 5658800Abstract: An extraction cartridge, for extracting a component from a composition, contains a packing composition including a buffer composition, diatomaceous earth and absorbent. The cartridge is made by heating each component to assure it is free from contaminants. The diatomaceous earth is sifted to obtain a particular particle size. The cartridge also includes frits and filters for holding the packing composition within the cartridge. All of the components of the cartridge are selected or processed to assure that no contaminants are leached into the sample being extracted. A processing system automatically processes a plurality of cartridges. The processing system, which is capable of continuous operation, includes a platform, a rack for holding the cartridges, sample vials and extraction tubes.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.Inventors: Denis Lessard, John Henry Burrows
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Patent number: 5653884Abstract: A method of separating a solute from a supercritical fluid which includes reducing the pressure of the supercritical fluid and is characterized in that the supercritical fluid and solute are mixed with another fluid, eg an inorganic or organic solvent under pressure, to cause a partial reduction in the pressure of the supercritical fluid followed by reduction of the pressure of the fluid mixture comprising the supercritical fluid and said other fluid. The fluid mixture pressure reduction may occur in a collection device. Such a device may have a collection solvent already present therein. The said other fluid used partially to depressurise the supercritical fluid may act as a collection solvent in a collection device. The collection device may include one or more collection vessels or alternatively a solid phase trap or a packed column for the purpose of trapping and collecting the solute.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLCInventors: Neil Graham Smart, Mark D. Burford, Anthony A. Clifford, Keith D. Bartle, Catherine M. Cowey
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Patent number: 5637223Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a combination of a strong organic acid and a strong mineral acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosive compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1996Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Petrolite CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Bellos, Gregory P. Noelken
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Patent number: 5618622Abstract: A surface-modified fibrous material which includes hydrocarbon polymer fibers having cationic or anionic groups on the surfaces thereof and coated with a polyelectrolyte having a net charge opposite to that of the cationic or anionic groups on the surfaces of the fibers. The hydrocarbon polymer may be, by way of illustration, a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The cationic or anionic groups may be carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid groups, or quaternary ammonium groups. Examples of polyelectrolytes include chitosan, poly(methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium bromide), poly(acrylic acid), and poly(styrene sulfonate). Also disclosed is a method of making the surface-modified fibrous material. The surface-modified fibrous material may be used as a filtration medium for liquids.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventors: Gunilla E. Gillberg-Laforce, Leonid A. Turkevich, Kristi L. Kiick-Fischer
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Patent number: 5611929Abstract: A filter bed for removing impurities from a liquid stream is described. The filter bed comprises a mat of pliant fibers and relatively stiff fibers. The filter bed may additionally include adsorbent particles. The filter bed can provide desirable filtration efficiencies while exhibiting relatively low operating differentials. A method for separating impurities from a liquid which employs the filter bed is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Graver ChemicalInventors: Bruce L. Libutti, Joseph M. Ragosta
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Patent number: 5609765Abstract: A steam stripping method for the softening of a feedstream of water including the steps of passing the feedstream of water into intimate contact with uncondensed steam such that the steam elevates the temperature of the feedstream of water, increasing the pH of the feedstream of water, reacting the feedstream of water with the steam so as to produce uncondensed steam byproducts and liquid byproducts, and passing the liquid byproducts through a filter so as to remove solids from the liquid byproducts. The steam is reacted with the feedstream of water at a rate of one pound of steam per ten pounds of feedstream water. A quantity of magnesium hydroxide can be added to the feedstream of water so as to initiate silica crystal formation. The liquid byproducts can pass through a bed of aluminum prior to the step of passing through a filter so as to reduce a silica content of the liquid byproducts.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Inventor: Ronald W. Bowman
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Patent number: 5603835Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the color of trimethylolpropane (TMP) by extracting color-causing impurities generated in the reaction to produce TMP. This improved color TMP is characterized by a reduced acid wash color and phthalic anhydride color--color measurement tests commonly used in the industry for assessing product quality and suitability of the TMP for certain color sensitive end-uses.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Hoechst Celanese CorporationInventors: Hung-Cheun Cheung, Rodolfo W. Laurel, George C. Seaman
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Patent number: 5597486Abstract: A membrane-based tangential flow filtration system is disclosed which includes optimized performance capabilities by taking into account the variety of flux and component passage behavior occurring during filtration processing. The system maximizes the recovery of a desired component in the permeate from a sample solution containing two or more components, in minimum time and with minimum filtration area, by optimizing the mass flux of the desired component by continuously controlling the rate of addition of a diafiltrate solution to the system to maintain the optimum balance of component concentrations.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Millipore Investment Holdings LimitedInventor: Herb Lutz
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Patent number: 5575918Abstract: A process for the separation of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensates from water is provided. The process comprises contacting a mixture comprised of water and a naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate (preferably a material selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde condensates of naphthalenesulfonic acids, formaldehyde condensates of lower-alkyl substituted naphthalenesulfonic acids, and mixtures of two or more of such materials) with a liquid organic phase comprised of a lipophilic non-quaternary amine to form an aqueous phase depleted with respect to said mixture of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate and a liquid organic phase enriched in naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate. The process further comprises separating said aqueous phase depleted with respect to said mixture of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate and said liquid organic phase enriched with respect to naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: Michael J. Virnig, Phillip L. Mattison, Keith E. Weerts
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Patent number: 5573672Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating extractable organic material from a composition comprising organic material intermixed with solids and water. The composition is contacted with a solvent and a dehydrating agent. The dehydrating agent removes water, improves the solvent extraction, and aids in later separation of the solids from the solvent. The process additionally provides a means for removing cyanide compounds from the composition and fixating the metals against leaching.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventors: Alkis S. Rappas, Stephen C. Paspek, David S. Davies
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Patent number: 5567388Abstract: An inorganic carbon removing part defined by has a double tube structure formed by an inner tube of polytetrafluoroethylene having continuous pores and an outer tube of resin. An acidified sample solution is guided into the inner tube and an alkalified sample solution is guided into the outer tube, and inorganic carbon contained in the acidified sample solution is outwardly moved toward the alkalified sample solution to be removed. The acidified sample solution, from which inorganic carbon is removed, is injected into a combustion tube, so that a carbon component contained in the sample solution is converted into carbon dioxide and detected by a detecting part. Since the alkalified sample solution contains purgeable organic carbon components of the same concentration as the acidified sample solution, the content of total organic carbon is correctly measured with no loss of the purgeable organic carbon components.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Youzo Morita, Keiji Inoue
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Patent number: 5558775Abstract: There is disclosed a portable assembly for treating hazardous waste water having a plurality of paired filter units having filter mediums and operated at high filter rates to minimize solids build up wherein solids are caused to be smashed and broken by shear forces and wherein chemicals are sequentially added to facilitate solids reduction, to oxidize organic compounds and to precipitate dissolved solids and wherein the process stream is subjected to ultraviolet light to reduce organic loading and downstream ultra filtration units to further reduce solids followed by reverse osmosis and/or ionization treatment.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignees: Joseph Busch, Jr., Joseph Busch, Sr.Inventor: Joseph B. Busch, Jr.
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Patent number: 5536411Abstract: A water and energy recovery process for an ice rink is disclosed. The process includes softening and carbon filtering water for use as flood water on an ice rink. The water is then demineralized by reverse osmosis to produce flood water having a specific conductance of about 2 to 30 micromhos/cm. The demineralized water is heated to 90.degree. F. and utilized in a resurfacer to flood the surface of the ice rink. The ice shavings removed from the surface of the ice by the resurface are deposited into a holding means and melted by utilizing recovered heat from the ice rink's refrigeration unit. The melted water from the holding means is used as a coolant in the ice rink's refrigeration unit. The steps of the process are then repeated, utilizing the warmed water from the refrigeration unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Bassai LimitedInventor: Russell W. Blades
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Patent number: 5525234Abstract: A process for improving the separation rate of water from a stream of aqueous caffeine and coffee bean extract by reverse osmosis by adding to the stream an effective amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: King Lee TechnologiesInventors: David L. Kronmiller, Craig L. Netwig